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Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines
Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines
Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines
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The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines, Inc.
Jesus Christ is our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer and the Coming King
ClassificationProtestant
OrientationEvangelical Christian;
Trinitarian
TheologyEvangelical theology
PolityMixed polity, including Congregationalist, Presbyterian and Episcopal elements
Executive Bishop and
President		Bishop Joseph I. Reyes
Auxiliary Bishop and
Vice President		Bishop David P. Dasig
AssociationsPhilippine Council of Evangelical Churches;
Alliance World Fellowship;
World Evangelical Alliance
RegionPhilippines
Headquarters13 West Capitol Drive, Brgy. Kapitolyo, Pasig City, Metro Manila 1603
FounderC&MA Missionaries
(see Albert Benjamin Simpson)
Origin1901 [citation needed]
Tetuan, Zamboanga City
Congregations500,000 (estimate as of 2017) [dubious – discuss]
Official websitecamacop.life

The Christian And Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) is a Christian evangelical group in the Philippines that originated from The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA). It is one of the largest evangelical groups in the Philippines.[citation needed]

History

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CAMACOP was incorporated in 1947 as a national church of the C&MA Philippine Missions. The Christian and Missionary Alliance in the USA expanded its mission works in the Philippines in 1902. The C&MA was assigned in Zamboanga - Sulu Archipelago and Cotabato – Davao regions of Mindanao.

The first Alliance Church was planted in 1902 in Tetuan, Zamboanga City, the first Protestant church on the island of Mindanao, which still exists today.

After the Second World War, the local churches planted by C&MA Missionaries decided to organize themselves as a national church. Thus in 1947 the first 13 local churches incorporated themselves as The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines, and in 1949 CAMACOP was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) thus became a legal personality.

It is headed by the National Executive Board of Trustees, which consists of the CAMACOP President, CAMACOP Vice-President, ministers, and laymen. In 2005, the CAMACOP By-Laws were amended to add the title of Executive Bishop to the CAMACOP president and the title of Auxiliary Bishop to the CAMACOP vice-president.

The Presidency

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When CAMACOP was established in 1947, Rev. Jeremias Dulaca was elected chairman (now President) of CAMACOP. He served until 1957 when Rev. Florentino de Jesus, Sr succeeded him.

Rev. de Jesus served until 1960, when Rev. Dulaca was elected again as CAMACOP president. Unfortunately, Rev. Dulaca suddenly died of a heart attack on September 18, 1962. Dulaca left a legacy as the founding president of the denomination. He was then succeeded by Vice-President Rev. Leodegario Madrigal. Rev. Madrigal was elected to a full term as president in 1963.

In the CAMACOP 1966 General Assembly, Rev. Vicente Pada, director of the Ebenezer Bible College was elected president of CAMACOP. In 1972, Rev. Leo Madrigal was elected again as president. During his tenure, the CAMACOP church population of 400 was doubled to 800 by the time Madrigal's term ended in 1978.

In the 1978 General Assembly, Dr. Benjamin de Jesus, son of former president Florentino de Jesus, Sr. was elected president of the denomination. He was re-elected twice in 1981 and 1985. He was replaced by Dr. Valmike Apuzen in 1989. He was reelected in 1993 and was succeeded by Vice-President Dr. Rodrigo Tano in 1997. Dr. Jose Dalino was then elected president in 2001 and was succeeded by Vice-President Rev. Reniel Joel Nebab in 2005. He was reelected in 2009.

A proposed amendment to the CAMACOP By-laws was discussed during the 2011 General Assembly to extend the President's term limit from two to three terms. Incumbent President then-Dr. Nebab was allowed to run again but was defeated in the election by his predecessor, Dr. Jose Dalino during the 2013 General Assembly. In 2017, Bishop Eduardo Cajes was elected as CAMACOP president, and won the 2021 CAMACOP elections.

The Administrative Divisions

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Four administrative branches or divisions currently administer the denomination, each headed by a National Executive Minister (NEM):

  1. Division of Church Ministries (DCM)
  2. Division of Education (DE)
  3. Division of Finance and Stewardship (DFS)
  4. Division of Missions (DM)

Division of Church Ministries

[edit]

The Division of Church Ministers can be compared to the Philippines' Department of the Interior and Local Government. This division administers and coordinates with the various local churches of CAMACOP. Each local church is handled by districts and by regions. In tradition, the Vice-President was appointed to this post.

Division of Education

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This Division is similar to the functions of the Philippines' Department of Education. It administers all CAMACOP-owned schools and seminaries. Its current plan is to build an all-new and first Alliance University in the Philippines.

Division of Finance and Stewardship

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This Division handles all financial transactions of the CAMACOP. The National Treasurer is under this office.

Division of Missions

[edit]

This Division administers all missionary outreaches of the denomination.

Incumbent Officials

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  • CAMACOP President/Executive Bishop:

Bishop Joseph I. Reyes

  • CAMACOP Vice-President/Auxiliary Bishop:

Bishop David P. Dasig

  • National Executive Minister-Division of Church Ministries (NEM-DCM):

Dr. Richard C. Rojas

  • National Executive Minister-Division of Education (NEM-DE):

Dr. Lyndon L. Ladera

  • National Executive Minister-Division of Stewardship and Finance (NEM-DFS):

Bishop David P. Dasig

  • National Executive Minister-Division of Missions (NEM-DM):

Rev. Richie P. Maraat

Ministries

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CAMACOP Ministries includes Local Churches, Schools, Seminaries, Training Center, Lay Preaching, Youth Program, Evangelistic Program and Overseas Missionary Program.

Organized ministries

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CAMACOP Organized Ministries as follows:

Geographical Divisions

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CAMACOP is divided by 6 Regions and 29 districts in the Philippines

  • LUZON
    • North Central Luzon Region (NCLR)
    • Metro Manila-Southern Luzon Region (MMSLR)
      • Metro Manila District (MMD)
        • A District of NCR
      • South Eastern Luzon District (SELD)
        • formerly called the Southern Tagalog District, encompasses CALABARZON and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon
        • Today, It is called "District of Southern Tagalog (DST)", but Rizal and a small Northern part of Quezon (which is the East and the same size of Rizal) separated the District.
      • Eastern Luzon Commission (ELC)
        • A District of Rizal and the small Northern part of Quezon
      • Palawan District (PD)
        • encompasses only the province of Palawan
      • Bicol District (BD)
  • VISAYAS

Seminaries

[edit]

List of Bible Schools and Seminaries in CAMACOP

Tribal Bible School

  • Dipolog Alliance School of Christian Leadership and Evangelism (DASCLE) (Dipolog)

CAMACOP-owned Schools

See also

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines

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from Grokipedia
The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) is an evangelical Protestant denomination in the , serving as the national expression of the global Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) movement, with a focus on , , and holistic ministry to address spiritual, social, and physical needs. Incorporated on February 7, 1947, by 13 self-supporting congregations, CAMACOP has grown into one of the largest evangelical networks in the country, operating 3,652 local churches across , , and as of February 2025, with an estimated membership of approximately 470,000 as of 2023. The denomination emphasizes the "Fourfold " of Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming , guiding its commitment to worldwide missions and local community transformation. The origins of CAMACOP trace back to 1901, when American missionary Ellen White arrived in the under the auspices of the C&MA. The first chapel was established in Tetuan, , in 1902 by subsequent missionaries. Following , the denomination achieved autonomy through its 1947 incorporation and formal registration with the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission in 1949, marking the transition from foreign mission oversight to indigenous leadership. Since then, CAMACOP has been led by successive Filipino presidents, beginning with Rev. Jeremias Dulaca (1947–1957, 1960–1962), and currently under Rev. Joseph I. Reyes, elected in August 2025 for a four-year term during the 58th in . Under Reyes' vision of , , ministerial welfare, and development, the church continues to prioritize unity and mission expansion. Organizationally, CAMACOP is structured into six regions, 23 districts, and two commissions, supported by key ministries in finance and stewardship, missions, church development, and theological education. It maintains nine residential colleges and 24 non-residential training centers to equip approximately 8,400 local workers and church planters, alongside 52 missionary units serving in 17 countries as of 2023. Auxiliary organizations, including Alliance Women , National Alliance Youth , and National Alliance Men , enhance its outreach, fostering discipleship and community engagement across the archipelago.

History

Founding and Early Missions

The Christian and Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) trace their origins to the global Christian and (C&MA) denomination, founded in by Rev. A. B. Simpson in New York as a movement emphasizing holistic gospel ministry and worldwide . work in the commenced in 1901 when Miss Ellen White arrived as the first C&MA , tasked with establishing evangelical outreach amid the recent U.S. acquisition of the islands following the Spanish-American War. Her tenure proved brief, ending soon after her marriage to a from another denomination, which prompted her departure from C&MA service. Efforts resumed in 1902 with the arrival of additional personnel, including layman John A. McKee, who unfortunately succumbed to shortly after landing, and independent Charles H. Carlson and William C. Abell, who founded the first C&MA congregation in Tetuan, . That same year, David and Hulda Lund established a that evolved into Ebenezer , laying foundational educational support for . The Tetuan church, constructed as the inaugural evangelical chapel in southern , marked a pioneering Protestant presence in a predominantly Muslim region. Under the 1901 Interdenominational Comity Agreement, C&MA focused on western and the , targeting indigenous animist groups and Muslim communities resistant to due to deep cultural and religious barriers. Early expansion in the and saw missionaries like the Lunds and eight others arriving between 1911 and 1924, extending outreach from Zamboanga to other locales and eventually to , with over 100 converts reported in Tetuan alone by 1924. Evangelism emphasized teaching and practical aid, fostering gradual among tribal peoples despite linguistic hurdles and occasional hostility. By the 1930s, the network had grown from isolated stations to dozens of outposts, though severely disrupted progress, scattering missionaries into hiding or internment and halting organized missions until 1945.

Incorporation and Post-War Expansion

Following , the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) formalized its structure as an autonomous national denomination, building on foundations established since 1902. In February 1947, thirteen organized local churches incorporated as The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines, Inc., under the oversight of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) Philippine Missions, marking the transition to self-governance amid the ' recent . Two years later, in 1949, CAMACOP registered as a with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under registration number 5665, granting it full legal personality and enabling independent operations. The National Executive Board of Trustees (NEBT) was established as the , comprising the CAMACOP president, vice-president, ministers, and lay representatives, to oversee administrative and spiritual affairs. This structure facilitated a decisive shift to Filipino , with Rev. Jeremias Dulaca elected as the inaugural president in 1947, serving until 1957 and again from 1960 to 1962, symbolizing the denomination's indigenization post-colonial era. Under Filipino stewardship, CAMACOP emphasized national priorities, reducing reliance on foreign missionaries while maintaining doctrinal ties to the U.S.-based C&MA. Post-incorporation expansion accelerated in the 1950s through the 1970s, driven by evangelistic campaigns and across and beyond. The number of congregations grew significantly from 13 in 1947, reaching hundreds by the mid-1970s, supported by the creation of administrative districts and emerging regional divisions to manage outreach in rural and urban areas. A pivotal growth initiative, the 1974 "Target 400 '79" program, aimed to establish 400 churches by 1979 through systematic disciple-making and , reflecting organizational maturity. By the late 1970s, over 400 churches dotted the , with districts formalized to coordinate local ministries and address logistical challenges in diverse terrains. Key developments in the included strengthened theological to equip indigenous leaders for sustained growth. Institutions like Ebenezer Bible College and , originally founded in 1926, elevated standards in 1953 by requiring high school completion for and Christian diplomas, and expanded programs in the following decade to train pastors amid rising church numbers. CAMACOP also responded to pressing social challenges, such as widespread and recurring like typhoons, by integrating relief efforts into its mission work; local churches provided aid, , and holistic ministry to vulnerable populations in war-ravaged and disaster-prone regions. These initiatives underscored the denomination's commitment to both spiritual and practical gospel application during a period of national reconstruction.

Modern Developments and Growth

During the and , the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) experienced significant expansion, growing from approximately 931 churches in to over 2,700 organized churches by 2009, alongside 787 unorganized groups and 149,344 baptized members. This numerical surge was propelled by strategic initiatives such as the Northward Thrust program, which focused on urban in through evangelistic campaigns and collaboration with local leaders, and the HARVEST 658 initiative (2006–2008), which resulted in 466 new church plants nationwide. Complementing these efforts, national lay leadership training for evangelists began in 2004 in , evolving into annual workshops that equipped over 30 participants per session by 2009 with theological knowledge, spiritual disciplines, and teamwork skills to support church multiplication, particularly in urban and rural settings. The from 2020 to 2023 posed substantial challenges to CAMACOP's operations, prompting adaptive strategies to maintain community and outreach amid lockdowns and restrictions on gatherings. In the district, for instance, six traditional churches transitioned into a network of 180 house churches, enabling continued discipleship and in smaller, home-based groups while addressing membership attrition—many Philippine churches, including CAMACOP congregations, reported losses of up to 30% during this period, but retention was bolstered through localized care and virtual connections. These shifts not only preserved fellowship but also facilitated growth, highlighting resilience in decentralized models. By 2023, CAMACOP's growth had accelerated further, reaching 3,545 churches, 454,500 members, and 2,040 ordained ministers across six regions and 23 districts, underscoring a sustained emphasis on missions with 8,400 local workers and 52 international missionaries. By early 2025, the number of local churches had reached 3,652. Recent milestones reflect this momentum, including the denomination's active role in digital evangelism through online platforms for , training, and , integrated into post-pandemic recovery efforts. Ongoing initiatives in , such as aiding districts affected by typhoons and earthquakes through repairs to churches and homes, demonstrate CAMACOP's commitment to holistic ministry. Additionally, as a key member of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC), CAMACOP engages in ecumenical partnerships for joint advocacy, relief efforts, and unity among evangelical bodies in the .

Beliefs and Practices

Core Doctrines and the Fourfold Gospel

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) upholds the core doctrines of evangelical as articulated by the international Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), emphasizing the centrality of Christ in all aspects of faith and practice. Central to this is the Fourfold Gospel, a Christological framework that presents Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King, serving as the spiritual DNA of the Alliance movement. This distinctive emphasis, rooted in the teachings of founder A. B. Simpson, underscores CAMACOP's commitment to a holistic gospel that addresses spiritual, personal, and eschatological dimensions of Christian life. The first aspect, Christ as Savior, affirms justification by alone through His atoning death and , providing redemption from for all who repent and believe, in line with the doctrine of salvation by grace (Romans 3:21-24; Ephesians 2:8-9). As Sanctifier, Christ enables entire sanctification, a progressive work of the that cleanses believers from and empowers them for holy living and service (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:23). Christ as Healer highlights divine healing for the whole person—physical, emotional, and spiritual—through and , without rejecting medical means (James 5:14-16). Finally, Christ as Coming King anticipates His premillennial return to establish God's kingdom, motivating urgent and outreach (Acts 1:11; 19:11-16). Supporting these emphases are foundational beliefs, including the inerrancy and authority of the as the sole rule for faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the doctrine of the —one God eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and (Deuteronomy 6:4; :19)—and exclusively through Christ's sacrificial work. CAMACOP also practices by immersion as an ordinance symbolizing identification with Christ's death and resurrection, alongside the Lord's Supper as a of His sacrifice (:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). The role of the is pivotal, indwelling believers for conviction, empowerment, and guidance in service, while maintaining a balanced approach that avoids charismatic excesses. This doctrinal framework drives CAMACOP's distinctive missionary focus on reaching unreached peoples through holistic ministry that nurtures body, mind, and spirit, fulfilling the in the Philippine context and beyond (Matthew 28:18-20).

Worship, Sacraments, and Distinctive Practices

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) observes two ordinances as outward expressions of faith: by immersion and the Lord's Supper as a . , administered only to those who have professed faith in Christ, symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and , signifying a commitment to die to sin and live for Christ. The Lord's Supper, celebrated at least monthly, commemorates Christ's atoning death and anticipates his return, renewing participants through remembrance of his broken body and shed blood while fostering unity in the church body. Worship services in CAMACOP churches emphasize centered on the Fourfold —Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King—as well as fervent , often incorporating calls for divine . These services blend traditional hymns with contemporary , reflecting an evangelical style that encourages congregational participation in singing and responsive . for , a distinctive emphasis rooted in the , involves elders the sick with oil and laying on hands, following the biblical pattern in James 5:13-16, to invoke God's provision for physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration. Distinctive practices include dedicated divine services, where believers seek God's intervention for wholeness, and periodic initiatives aimed at spiritual revival and deeper consecration. CAMACOP integrates Filipino cultural elements into , such as adaptations of —a traditional nine-day dawn devotional series leading to —recast as evangelical prayer and praise gatherings to contextualize the gospel within local traditions. Lay participation is strongly encouraged, with every believer viewed as a minister equipped by the for service, including roles in church leadership and outreach. Gender-inclusive ministry roles are affirmed within evangelical parameters, allowing women to serve as ordained ministers, deaconesses, and board members after meeting service requirements, promoting full utilization of spiritual gifts across genders.

Leadership and Governance

The Presidency

The presidency of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) was established in 1947 upon the incorporation of the denomination as a national entity, with Rev. Jeremias Dulaca elected as its first president, serving from 1947 to 1957 and again from 1960 to 1962. Successive presidents have included Rev. Florentino de Jesus (1957–1960), Rev. Leodegario Madrigal (1962–1966 and 1972–1978), Rev. Vicente Pada (1966–1972), Dr. Benjamin de Jesus (1978–1989), Dr. Valmike Apuzen (1989–1997), Dr. Rodrigo Tano (1997–2001), Dr. Jose Dalino (2001–2005 and 2013–2017), Rev. Reniel Joel Nebab (2005–2013, reelected in 2009), Bishop Eduardo Cajes (2017–2025, reelected in 2021), and Bishop Joseph I. Reyes, elected in August 2025 during the 58th General Assembly in . The president's duties encompass spiritual oversight of the denomination, setting and implementing policies aligned with CAMACOP's vision and mission, and representing the church in national ecumenical councils such as the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches. The term of office is four years, with eligibility for reelection up to three consecutive terms in recent bylaws. In 2005, CAMACOP amended its bylaws to confer the title of "Executive Bishop" on the president, emphasizing episcopal leadership connotations while retaining the core presidential role, with the vice president titled "." In 2013, bylaws were amended to extend the from two to three consecutive terms, allowing presidents to seek a third term.

Incumbent Officials

The leadership of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) as of late 2025 is headed by Joseph I. Reyes, who serves as President and Executive Bishop. Elected in August 2025, Reyes is responsible for providing overall vision and direction to the denomination, guiding its strategic initiatives and spiritual oversight across its regions and districts. Assisting Reyes is David P. Dasig, who holds the position of Vice-President and . Dasig supports the president in episcopal duties, including oversight, doctrinal guidance, and administrative collaboration on key church matters. The National Executive Ministers oversee the denomination's primary divisions, ensuring alignment with CAMACOP's mission and operational efficiency:
  • Church Ministries: Dr. Richard C. Rojas leads this division, focusing on local church development, discipleship programs, and community engagement to foster spiritual growth among members.
  • : Dr. Lyndon L. Ladera directs educational initiatives, including theological , operations, and to equip and lay leaders.
  • Finance and : David P. Dasig also serves in this role, managing financial resources, budgeting, and stewardship to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainable giving within the church.
  • Missions: Rev. Richie P. Maraat heads missions efforts, coordinating domestic and international outreach, deployment, and strategies to advance global kingdom work.
The National Treasurer, appointed in July 2025, handles corporate financial accountability, including audits, fund management, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board of Trustees provides governance oversight, approving major policies, ensuring legal compliance, and safeguarding the denomination's assets and mission integrity.

Organizational Structure

Division of Church Ministries

The Division of Church Ministries (DCM) serves as the primary arm for internal church operations and local development within the Christian and Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP), emphasizing domestic church health and community-focused outreach under the broader authority of the president. This division oversees 32 districts across 6 regions as of September 2025, coordinating initiatives and pastoral training programs to strengthen local congregations and ensure sustainable growth. DCM implements targeted programs for discipleship, youth, and women's ministries at the grassroots level, promoting spiritual maturity, , and inclusive participation in church life. It also facilitates the coordination of annual assemblies for districts and provides mechanisms for within congregations, fostering unity and effective governance. As of 2025, the division is led by National Executive Minister Dr. Richard C. Rojas.

Division of Education

The Division of Education within the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) functions as the central body responsible for theological training and the administration of affiliated educational institutions, aiming to develop competent leaders for church ministry and broader Christian service. This division emphasizes that integrates biblical principles with practical skills, ensuring that graduates are equipped to advance the denomination's mission of and discipleship across the . A key component of the division's work involves the management of seminaries and biblical institutes dedicated to advanced theological education. The Alliance Graduate School, located in , serves as CAMACOP's primary graduate institution, offering programs in theology, missions, and biblical studies to prepare pastors, missionaries, and church leaders for effective ministry. Similarly, the Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary in , established by Alliance missionaries, functions as one of the denomination's foundational biblical training centers, focusing on undergraduate and certificate programs that foster and doctrinal understanding. These institutions collaborate with the broader Alliance family to maintain high standards in evangelical theological education. In addition to higher theological education, the division oversees the Department of Alliance Christian Schools (DACS), which coordinates a network of elementary, secondary, and collegiate institutions affiliated with CAMACOP. This department ensures that these schools align with national educational standards while incorporating , providing quality to thousands of students nationwide and supporting the denomination's commitment to through learning. For instance, DACS facilitates and , as recognized by the Philippine Department of Education, to promote excellence in faith-based schooling. Looking ahead, CAMACOP's Division of Education is advancing plans to establish an , envisioned as a comprehensive that combines vocational with theological studies to address the growing need for skilled, ministry-oriented professionals in the . This initiative builds on the division's longstanding emphasis on equipping, complementing informal lay programs offered through church ministries by providing structured, degree-granting pathways for long-term ministerial preparation. As of October 2025, the division is led by National Executive Minister Dr. Lyndon L. Ladera.

Division of Finance and Stewardship

The Division of Finance and Stewardship (DFS) within the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) manages the organization's financial resources with a focus on biblical and transparency. It handles tithes, offerings, and budgets for national operations through its Services Department, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently for administrative and ministry needs. Stewardship education forms a core component of the DFS, with programs designed to promote biblical financial principles such as , generous giving, and responsible among church members and leaders. These initiatives, overseen by the Stewardship and Resources Development department, include training sessions and materials that emphasize God's of all resources and the believer's role as faithful stewards. The division also exercises oversight of property and for CAMACOP churches and institutions, managing projects, subsidiary corporations, and general services to maintain and utilize assets effectively. This includes acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of properties in alignment with organizational goals. In addition, the DFS allocates portions of national budgets to support missions funding, facilitating resource flow to efforts.

Division of Missions

The Division of Missions within the Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) is responsible for coordinating initiatives among domestic unreached people groups and overseeing the deployment of missionaries to international fields in , , and other regions worldwide. This division facilitates cross-cultural outreach by mobilizing church members for short-term and long-term mission assignments, emphasizing the to proclaim the gospel globally. Key activities include the organization of annual Missions Month observances, which feature sermon series, prayer emphases, and mobilization campaigns to inspire participation in and disciple-making efforts despite challenges like pandemics or logistical barriers. The division also conducts courses, structured training programs designed to equip participants with knowledge of unreached peoples, strategic mission planning, and personal commitment to global outreach, often integrated into broader missions conferences under themes like ", Get on the Wave." Additionally, it provides comprehensive training to prepare candidates for deployment, covering cultural adaptation, , and practical skills for fieldwork. CAMACOP's Division of Missions maintains strong partnerships with the global Christian and Missionary Alliance through the , enabling collaborative sending and support for joint initiatives in unreached areas. As of recent reports, the division supports approximately 52 missionaries serving in 17 countries, reflecting its commitment to expanding the church's footprint beyond the . These efforts are bolstered by financial resources from the Division of and Stewardship, ensuring sustained funding for training and field operations. As of October 2025, the division is led by National Executive Minister Rev. Richel P. Maraat.

Ministries and Outreach

Domestic Programs and Initiatives

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) emphasizes discipleship through organized auxiliary ministries that engage lay members in spiritual growth and outreach. The National Alliance Youth (NAYP) supports youth programs, including camps and fellowships designed to foster biblical teaching and community building among young members. Similarly, the Alliance Women (NAWP) facilitates women's fellowships focused on , , and service, enabling women to contribute to church life and mission objectives. These initiatives draw on lay participation, with trained evangelists—often part-time volunteers and local leaders—forming preaching bands for open-air and efforts. CAMACOP's social services address community needs through the Division of Church Ministries (DCM), which promotes holistic care and justice-oriented actions within local congregations. For instance, partnerships with international Alliance teams have enabled food distributions of and to approximately 2,000 urban poor families in , contributing to poverty alleviation in densely populated areas. These efforts align with CAMACOP's commitment to modeling ' ministry by integrating social concern with proclamation, though specific health clinics or anti-trafficking programs are coordinated at the local church level rather than nationally standardized. Programs are adapted across urban centers like and rural regions in , where evangelists use transportation such as motorbikes and boats to reach barangays, mountains, and tribal villages. Evangelistic crusades form a core domestic initiative, typically involving 3- to 5-day open-air campaigns sponsored by existing churches and featuring tools like Christian films for broader . In 2009 alone, such efforts led to the planting of 36 new churches and the restarting of 3 others, demonstrating their impact on expansion. Integration of new believers follows through structured follow-up, including visitation, counseling, and discipleship classes to nurture converts into active church members. These activities are implemented via CAMACOP's six regions and 23 districts, ensuring localized adaptation for both urban and rural contexts, including basic coordination during events like typhoons.

International Missions and Partnerships

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the Philippines (CAMACOP) has transitioned from mission-receiving to a sending entity following its indigenization under Filipino leadership, enabling it to deploy national workers abroad as part of its commitment to the "whole gospel to the whole world." CAMACOP sends Filipino missionaries to over 17 countries, with 52 ministry units actively engaged in cross-cultural evangelism and development as of 2023. These efforts emphasize church planting and holistic ministry, particularly in Southeast Asia and Muslim contexts, where workers address spiritual and practical needs amid challenging environments. For instance, initiatives target unreached communities in regions with predominant Muslim populations, building on domestic experiences in areas like Western Mindanao to inform international strategies. Through partnerships with the (AWF), CAMACOP participates in reciprocal exchanges that enhance global collaboration, including shared training, resource allocation, and joint projects across member churches worldwide. These alliances facilitate the mobilization of Filipino workers while allowing CAMACOP to benefit from international expertise, fostering mutual support in mission endeavors. Additionally, CAMACOP contributes to refugee ministries and among diaspora communities, aligning with AWF's broader emphasis on reaching displaced populations through compassionate and community establishment.

Educational Institutions and Seminaries

The Division of Education provides oversight for CAMACOP's educational institutions and seminaries, ensuring alignment with the denomination's mission to equip leaders for ministry. This includes nine residential Bible colleges and 24 non-residential training centers. CAMACOP's key seminaries include the Alliance Graduate School (AGS) in , which serves as the denomination's primary graduate school of theology, offering master's programs in , missions, Christian , and church growth to prepare students for pastoral and missionary roles. Founded in 1977 and relocated to its current location in 1982, AGS emphasizes practical training tailored to urban ministry contexts in the and . Another prominent institution is the Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary (EBCS) in Zamboanga City, established as the first and largest Bible school within CAMACOP, providing undergraduate and graduate theological education recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). As a co-educational facility, EBCS focuses on forming servant leaders through rigorous biblical training and character development, with programs designed to foster lifelong learning and Christ-like attitudes. The curricula across these seminaries integrate the Fourfold Gospel—presenting Jesus Christ as Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King—as a foundational framework, alongside practical ministry skills such as , discipleship, and community outreach to promote holistic . This approach ensures graduates are equipped not only with doctrinal knowledge but also with competencies for effective church leadership and mission work. In addition to seminaries, CAMACOP maintains affiliated K-12 schools and vocational centers that emphasize , combining academic instruction with spiritual nurturing and practical life skills to develop well-rounded individuals within the faith community. These institutions, often linked to local churches, prioritize biblically balanced teaching to support the denomination's broader educational goals.

Current Status

Membership and Geographical Reach

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) has an estimated membership of approximately 470,000 adherents as of early 2025, reflecting steady growth since its origins in 1902. This membership is distributed across 3,652 local churches nationwide as of February 2025, organized into 6 geographical regions encompassing the major divisions of , , and , along with 23 districts that facilitate local administration and outreach. Demographically, CAMACOP's presence is prominent in urban centers such as and rural areas of , serving a diverse array of ethnic groups including Tagalog, Cebuano, and various indigenous communities. The organization's headquarters is located at 13 West Capitol Drive, City, serving as the central hub for national coordination.

Challenges and Recent Events

The Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches of the (CAMACOP) has faced significant challenges in post-pandemic recovery, particularly in adapting to virtual ministry amid limited and in many rural and urban poor communities. This transition proved difficult for evangelical churches like CAMACOP, leading to temporary declines in attendance as congregations struggled with online platforms during lockdowns. Pastors have reported heightened emotional, relational, and spiritual stressors, including family strains and ministry demands, prompting the development of faith-based coping strategies such as spiritual anchoring and empathy practices to foster resilience. Rapid urbanization in the has exerted additional pressures on CAMACOP, as population shifts to cities strain resources for outreach and in densely populated areas, while interfaith tensions, particularly in regions with Muslim majorities, have occasionally disrupted relations. In response, CAMACOP has engaged in ecumenical dialogues, such as the June 2025 gathering of the Polomolok Ecumenical Movement hosted at a CAMACOP site, to promote and cooperation. These efforts align with broader national initiatives to address historical Christian-Muslim conflicts through interfaith partnerships. Recent events include the August 2025 election of Rev. Joseph Illamil Reyes as CAMACOP president during the 58th , marking a transition focused on renewal. In October 2025, the annual Missions Month emphasized themes of unity under the banner "All In: One Body, One Direction, One Vision, One Mission," encouraging collective commitment to across generations. CAMACOP also mobilized in response to the devastating 2024 typhoon season, which brought six consecutive cyclones affecting over 2.6 million people; in November 2024, the organization called on local churches to provide prayer, donations, and relief to affected members in , , and . Looking ahead, under Rev. Reyes' vision for his 2025–2029 term, CAMACOP aims to advance through a centralized cloud-based database for ministerial and , while prioritizing church infrastructure like new convention centers to support missions. The organization continues to pursue church multiplication as a core strategy, building on its network of 3,652 churches nationwide as of February 2025, with an emphasis on unity to fulfill the . These goals reflect a commitment to pastoral welfare, , and adaptive growth amid ongoing societal challenges.

References

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